24 Facts About Richard Arnst

Richard Arnst won the Single Sculls World Championship six times during the early part of the 20th century.

Richard Arnst was the eighth of thirteen children born to Hermann and Catharina Arnst.

Richard Arnst gained 5th place in this race in the second fastest time, that was inside the previous best time.

The brothers returned to Australia in 1904 with Richard Arnst finishing in 10th and Jack well back in 25th.

Jack again set the fastest time in 1905, finishing 15th while Richard Arnst suffered with cramps.

Richard Arnst culminated his cycling career by winning the Sydney Thousand in March 1906.

Richard Arnst was tutored in Australia by experts and after six months or so started winning some races.

The match was held on the Whanganui River on 15 December 1908 and Richard Arnst won by eight or ten lengths.

Richard Arnst had achieved the distinction of becoming World Champion after only a couple of years or so in the sport.

Richard Arnst was then challenged for the title by George Whelch of Akaroa, a town near Christchurch.

The result was never in doubt; Richard Arnst crossing the line several lengths in front of the challenger.

Richard Arnst's brother went ahead of them on the river to shoot the crocodiles.

The heat and the altitude affected both scullers but Richard Arnst was the better of the two and he crossed the line in front of Barry to retain his title.

Richard Arnst was by now often known as 'Dick' and the next challenge for his crown came from Harry Pearce, the Australian Champion.

Richard Arnst travelled to England to scull the race which was over a distance of about four and a quarter miles on the Championship Course.

Richard Arnst next raced Jim Paddon for the Championship of Australia.

Barry returned to England and retired from the sport, so Richard Arnst claimed the title by forfeiture.

Dick Richard Arnst wanted to defend his otherwise empty title and accepted a challenge from New Zealander Pat Hannan.

Richard Arnst broke part of his right scull on a piece of driftwood near the start but he later said that it had made no difference to the result of the race.

Richard Arnst had always been a good shot and after retiring from sculling he became active in shooting and won the following New Zealand Gun Clubs' Championships; 1926 Live Pigeons, 1928 Live Pigeons, 1930 Sparrows, and 1932 Clay Birds.

In 1934 Richard Arnst bought a farm south of Timaru running sheep and cattle, and growing crops, in partnership with his brother Henry.

Two years later a Christchurch street, Richard Arnst Place, was named after him.

In 1995 Richard Arnst was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.

Richard Arnst was a man who had been held in high esteem by his peers and was a fine, well liked, and honourable sportsman.